^{The history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is long and complex, with roots that can be traced back to the late 19th century1}

The Genesis

The conflict began with the rise of national movements, including Zionism and Arab nationalism. Zionists sought to establish a homeland for the Jewish people in Ottoman-controlled Palestine. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, issued by the British government, endorsed the idea of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, leading to an influx of Jewish immigrants to the region.

The Birth of Israel

The modern state of Israel was founded in May 1948 in the aftermath of the Holocaust and Second World War. The establishment of Israel led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who became refugees.

The Conflict

The Palestinians seek to establish their own independent state in at least a part of historic Palestine1. However, Israeli defence of its own borders, control over the West Bank, the Egyptian-Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, and Palestinian internal politics currently make this goal out of reach.

The Ongoing Struggle

Numerous peace negotiations have taken place over the years, but a lasting peace agreement has remained elusive. The conflict has been marked by violence, including terrorist attacks by Palestinian militants and military operations by Israel

The Surprise Attack

On a fateful day in October 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented offensive on Israel². This included taking civilian hostages at a music festival, where at least 260 bodies were recovered. This attack marked a catastrophic intelligence failure by Israel and both will have long-lasting repercussions and consequences

The Israeli Response

Caught off guard, Israeli security forces retaliated with strikes on the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared that Israel was at war and that Palestinians would pay a heavy price. Israel called up army reservists and launched a wave of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, which is home to 2.3 million people

The World Watches

As the conflict escalated, voices from around the world called for peace. Amnesty International called for an end to civilian bloodshed, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered to mediate in the conflict

A Hope for Resolution

The Israel-Hamas conflict is a complex issue with deep historical roots. It’s not just about two entities at war but about people’s lives, their homes, and their futures. As we delve deeper into this tale, let’s remember that every story has multiple perspectives. And while we may not have all the answers, understanding is the first step towards resolution.

So, dear reader, as you turn the pages of history, remember to keep an open mind. History is not just about facts and dates; it’s about people and their stories. And it’s these stories that make history far from boring.

Note: This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the Israel-Hamas conflict based on available information. For more detailed information, please refer to reliable sources or experts in this field.

1. History of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict – Wikipedia ↩︎
2. Who is Hamas and why did they attack Israel? – The Washington Post ↩︎